Imphal: Neroca FC came victorious in the Imphal Derby, posting a 3-1 victory over Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) FC at the Khuman Lampak stadium.
The inaugural game of group C in the 131st Durand Cup was also the maiden football match held in Manipur. Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon. Defence Minister, Government of India and Shri. N. Biren Singh, Hon. Chief Minister, Manipur, grace the opening ceremony. Amazingly, Biren Singh is a former winner of the Durand Cup.
𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞!@NerocaFC begins their journey in the competition with an emphatic 3-1 win over @officialtraufc. A sensational performance in front of a packed stadium.
Thanks for joining us! #NFCTRAU ⚔️#DurandCup 🏆#IndianFootball ⚽#ImphalDerby 💥 pic.twitter.com/o9U71Q9f4O
— Durand Cup (@thedurandcup) August 18, 2022
In the first half, Tangva Ragui pitr the Orange brigade ahead as early as the 16th minute. Komron Tursunov equalizes within three minutes. Thomyo headed to put Neroca ahead in the 36th minute.
In the second half, Nigerian John Chidi took advantage of a defensive loop and scored the insurance goal. After the third goal, TRAU seem to be contented having control of the ball and seemed to be little lost for ideas. There was some niggling on the pitch as a result of the players’ dissatisfaction, aa well.
Neroca have a long break before their second game, taking on the Army Red on the 24th of August at the same venue, while TRAU go head-to-head against Hyderabad FC on the 22nd of August at the Khuman Lampak.
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